ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesManila embassy big backlog spoke to them today

I spoke to the Manila embassy today. She said they have NO appointments available for june, july, aug, and the 1st two weeks of sept. They will not mail out our packet 4 until the appointments are available and the backlog is gone.

She said we might get an end of sept appointment and maybe the packet 4 in one month. My papers arrived june 4th.


BIG delays..............BUMMER!!!!!!!!!!


I don't think that is correct as many of us have appointments already for those months. Or do you mean that there aren't anymore appointments left? Ours is on August 3rd. I have their web site printout showing our medical exam and interview dates.


Charlie


Correct you "HAVE" your appointment. Im talking about all future appointments. My i129f arrived june 4 and I was told there are NO appointments for 2.5 months and they are so backlogged they are NOT mailing packet4's out. They told me she might get a packet4 in 1-1.5 months from now. Our paperwork has been there for 2.5 weeks.


Sorry to hear about that. This whole process is slow enough and I feel for you guys!!! Just hang in there as there is no way to make them move faster.

Take Care,
Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-06-20 22:32:00
PhilippinesManila embassy big backlog spoke to them today

I spoke to the Manila embassy today. She said they have NO appointments available for june, july, aug, and the 1st two weeks of sept. They will not mail out our packet 4 until the appointments are available and the backlog is gone.

She said we might get an end of sept appointment and maybe the packet 4 in one month. My papers arrived june 4th.


BIG delays..............BUMMER!!!!!!!!!!


I don't think that is correct as many of us have appointments already for those months. Or do you mean that there aren't anymore appointments left? Ours is on August 3rd. I have their web site printout showing our medical exam and interview dates.


Charlie

Edited by busycharlie, 20 June 2007 - 09:23 PM.

busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-06-20 21:21:00
PhilippinesSlightly shocked

After hearing that many of us didn't reveive our hard copy of the NOA2's I called the CSC and got them to mail me another. :thumbs: I just checked my account and it is updated saying they just mailed another on June 20th. Now lets see if it arrives. When I called previously about not receiving this all they would say is fill out this form ??? out and send $200 which of course was going to be $340 after July 30th.

Somebody had posted a nice little trick on how to get a hold of someone at the CSC and it worked like a charm. Whoever that was, thanks so much!! :dance:

Take Care,
Charlie


We don't have the hardcopy of NOA2 yet. How did you get them to mail you another copy of it without having to pay the $200? My fiance called them too and I got the same answer as yours, "fill out this form and pay $200 :angry: "

Thanks.


Ok, this is what I got from this post and it worked great. My NOA2 hard copy showed up today after just calling on Monday. I'm still in shock considering how this process works in such a slow way.

http://www.visajourn...h...67984&st=35

Let me know if this link doesn't work. When you get to this page it is the first post. Follow the instructions.

Good Luck,
Charlie

Edited by busycharlie, 22 June 2007 - 09:44 PM.

busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-06-22 21:43:00
PhilippinesSlightly shocked
After hearing that many of us didn't reveive our hard copy of the NOA2's I called the CSC and got them to mail me another. :thumbs: I just checked my account and it is updated saying they just mailed another on June 20th. Now lets see if it arrives. When I called previously about not receiving this all they would say is fill out this form ??? out and send $200 which of course was going to be $340 after July 30th.

Somebody had posted a nice little trick on how to get a hold of someone at the CSC and it worked like a charm. Whoever that was, thanks so much!! :dance:

Take Care,
Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-06-22 16:07:00
PhilippinesManila Embasy

Hello everyone,
I did call NVC last night and told me that they recieved and process my application for K1 Visa and has been forwarded to USE Manila. How can I verify if they got it already? Will I get a notice saying they recieved it or not?

Thanks again.

Ross


You can call them but you better put it on super redial as it is busy most of the time. Call early in the morning. They have a search feature online once they schedule the medical exam and interview you can check it that way but right now it isn't working and lately it hasn't worked very good anyways.

Manila Embassy (Immigrant Visa Unit) | 011-63-2-528-6300 ext 5184 or dial 0

If you haven't visited the link below I suggest you do. If is very informative and has been a great help to many of us.
http://www.visajourn...showtopic=68967

Good Luck,
Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-06-23 09:21:00
Philippinesapproved
CONGRATS!!! :thumbs: We hope you have a bright future together.
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-06-23 09:14:00
Philippinespacket 4

Ailene hasn't received her packet 4 yet. Has anyone with an August interview date got their packet yet? Do they deliver on Saturdays?


MJ just received her packet today (Saturday). Exam July 27th and interview August 3rd.

Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-06-23 10:00:00
Philippinespacket 4

Yup we are waiting as well. Not sure when but we went ahead and got ours on line. Ready to go just waiting to get the appointment letters. Good luck to you all! :thumbs:



Where did you get it online? Is that the ten page of instructions that people refer to? If so I have that also.

Thanks,
Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-06-22 08:54:00
Philippinespacket 4

Ailene hasn't received her packet 4 yet. Has anyone with an August interview date got their packet yet? Do they deliver on Saturdays?


Not us. We an August 3rd interview. I heard they send them out about a month before so it still might be a little early.

Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-06-22 08:38:00
Philippinesearly worries

Very early in the process (still compiling I-129F package) I have some concerns about visa approval that I'm hoping will be unfounded! :yes:
1. Fast courtship- we met in March and I proposed in June on my first visit to Manila
2. Almost no phone records and no regular mail- we communicated almost exclusively online
3. Multiple marriages- I've been married twice

Will this stuff weigh heavily against us?



I met MJ in October flew there in November and got engaged. Filed in January and went back in March. During this whole time though we chatted online twice a day for 2-3 hours, phone calls, letters, some emails. Over three hundred pics taken for two trips. Thank God for digital cameras with those big memory chips. :dance: Save those chat sessions!!!

Just save everything you can think of.

Good Luck,
Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-06-29 21:25:00
PhilippinesMy Pre Interview Cost Analysis ..

The following costs were associated with Mylene and Ashley's medical, interview, hotels, and airfare ..

Please keep in mind that these costs are for my fiancee AND her daughter ..

Medical - $162 (must pay in php at SLEC)
Visa Payment - $200 (Equitable PCI Bank - near NSO)
Hotel (pre interview) - $54 (Bayview Park Hotel .. across from US Embassy .. reserved online 1 week early)
Hotel (pre flight) - $88 (Heritage Hotel Manila - Pasay City .. reserved @ asiarooms.com 2 weeks early)
Flight to St. Louis, MO - $1682 (Northwest Airlines - booked over phone 3 weeks early .. POE Minneapolis)

I don't know if philippine airport taxes of 750 php each are included in the ticket prices yet and since Mylene will be picking the visas up in person if she will have to pay Delbros or not.

Please let me know if I will have to pay for anything else ..

Thanks,
CB


I thought the exam was $95 and the visa $100. Don't forget the terminal fees. I was in the Philippines in March and when I left I had to pay about 1,000 pesos. This was for terminal fees, taxi, etc. The terminal fees are not included in the ticket prices.

Charlie


he is combining the cost for his fiancee and her daughter. on airport fees, 550p international departure fee and 200p security fee for 200p for 750p. If you booked a flight here on Northwest, the fees would not be included in the ticket price. can just pay at the airport on departure day.


Thanks for pointing that out about the mother/daughter. I read right past that part in his post. :wacko: I thought the fees went up like everything else.

Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-01 14:31:00
PhilippinesMy Pre Interview Cost Analysis ..

The following costs were associated with Mylene and Ashley's medical, interview, hotels, and airfare ..

Please keep in mind that these costs are for my fiancee AND her daughter ..

Medical - $162 (must pay in php at SLEC)
Visa Payment - $200 (Equitable PCI Bank - near NSO)
Hotel (pre interview) - $54 (Bayview Park Hotel .. across from US Embassy .. reserved online 1 week early)
Hotel (pre flight) - $88 (Heritage Hotel Manila - Pasay City .. reserved @ asiarooms.com 2 weeks early)
Flight to St. Louis, MO - $1682 (Northwest Airlines - booked over phone 3 weeks early .. POE Minneapolis)

I don't know if philippine airport taxes of 750 php each are included in the ticket prices yet and since Mylene will be picking the visas up in person if she will have to pay Delbros or not.

Please let me know if I will have to pay for anything else ..

Thanks,
CB


I thought the exam was $95 and the visa $100. Don't forget the terminal fees. I was in the Philippines in March and when I left I had to pay about 1,000 pesos. This was for terminal fees, taxi, etc. The terminal fees are not included in the ticket prices.

Charlie

Edited by busycharlie, 01 July 2007 - 02:01 PM.

busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-01 13:58:00
PhilippinesI-134..no signature in Income Tax Return Form

Hello everyone,

My husband emailed me a copy of his income tax return forms. I noticed that there is no signature in the
"Paid Preparer's Use Only - Preparer's Signature" part. I called his attention about it, and he said that we don't need the Preparer's signature and that is the only copy he had. I asked him to let them sign it, and I am having a hard time getting his cooperation because of his work schedule, especially that our interview is a month from now already.

Will this copy (no signature) suffice?


Not sure about the signature but I believe it should be notarized also on the front page. I requested the actual transcript from the IRS and just signed on the bottom then the notary signed it and put the notarized stamp on it.

If his signature is required can you fax it to him and then fax back. It's just a copy anyways.

Good luck,

Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-06-30 21:19:00
Philippinespolice certificate

So how would she do that?


Try these links. My fiancee has to get one from Japan and they take 2-3 months. I only wish we would have known this four months ago so she had enough time to get this for her interview which is coming up.

http://travel.state....er/T/Taiwan.htm

http://travel.state....ocity/index.htm

Good Luck,
Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-01 22:20:00
PhilippinesK-1 Approved !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats and good luck!!!
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-05 23:33:00
PhilippinesMonday is Mylene's Interview ..

July 9, 2007 .. Monday morning at 7:30 a.m. is Mylene's interview

Prayers and good luck wishes are greatly appreciated .. BUT .. the reason for my post is to inquire if anyone else has their interview on the same day ..


Thanks,
CB


first of all, GOOD LUCK! and i know she'll come out victoriously in God's help... second thing, we'll have an interview this coming monday too july 9th, but its for the AOS lol :blush: sorry different location... but i know we'll be both ok... good luck again!



Good luck to both of you. Ours if fast approaching which is August 3rd. :dance: Time is flying by.

Take Care,
Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-06 21:29:00
PhilippinesMylene was approved .. supposedly
Congrats!!! Soon it will be AOS time.

Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-09 08:15:00
PhilippinesMylene just got the call ..
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!! Enjoy your new life together.

Take Care,
Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-11 08:11:00
PhilippinesMEDICAL EXAM

Are we allowed to bring cellphone inside SLEC?


Yes, MJ just had her exam yesterday and I was talking to her while on her cell phone.

Take Care,
Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-12 22:00:00
PhilippinesRESULTS OF THE MEDICAL EXAM

After the two day ordeal at St. Lukes, will they tell us if we passed or not? Or will it be the people from the USE? What if we don't pass? Shall this mean that we will no longer show up for the scheduled interview? I know it's a case to case basis but somebody might be able to enlighten me on this. Thanks!


MJ just spent her two days there getting her exam. Yes, they do tell you if everything is ok or not. The second day are the shots and xray and once that was all done she had to wait to her about her results. I also had her do a pre-exam in her city just to make sure all was well. I don't know the answer about if someone fails if they still need to show up or not to the interview as I haven't seen anything posted about that yet.

Some of the women take their exam early before the scheduled date just encase something is wrong and extra time is needed for treatment.

Good luck,

Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-12 21:58:00
PhilippinesCenomar

Charlie...

The USE staff randomly requests the CENOMAR. I'm not sure of the rhyme or reason for the madness. However, the CENOMAR is a requirement, per Packet 4. If the USE staff requests to see a copy and the beneficiary does not have it, that is grounds for an AR until that documentation is supplied (if the USE elects to do so).

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling


Hi Sheriff,
MJ has her cenomar but I was more curious about that part of the process due to the other post. It seemed that many had a difference of opinion about not just needing them but why does the Embassy question one person but not the next.

Can't wait for this process to be over and August 3rd can't get here fast enough.

Take Care,
Charlie

Thanks everyone for your responses!!!
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-06-27 19:49:00
PhilippinesCenomar
I have noticed a few posts with many replies about the Cenomar so I have some questions. Do they review all Cenomars? If they don't how do they choose who they check and don't check? :wacko: Or do they check those that have been married before and don't check those that have never been married?

Thanks in advance.

Take Care,
Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-06-27 14:45:00
PhilippinesVISA APPOINTMENT SITE

has anybody got to use the site?
http://203.177.135.1...tment/login.asp


I'm having a problem with it. I call DOS and told me that my girl had interview but when I try to check and enter my IV Case Number MNL200XXXXXX9. It show up Case Number Not Found On Appointment List. I want to get copy of my own just incase here appointment letter comes in late. Thanks

Ross


It is normal for it to be down. Some times it could be for a week or longer. Even once you see your appointment it could be there one day then gone the next but if you know you have your appointment dates I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just keeping on trying everday as much as possible and you should see it soon.

Good luck,

Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-19 14:15:00
PhilippinesIs it safe to send jewelries thru mail?

Hi,

I just wanna know if it's safe to send jewelries to America thru mail like Fedex or something?


I learned my lesson the hard way. I wasn't on this site earlier this year so didn't know better. I sent a $250 heart shaped necklace with diamonds in it to the Philippines. It was in a large envelope type package like you send pics in plus I had her birthday card in there also with a letter. It was very inoccent looking. They only way for someone to see it would be to xray it and then steal it. It has been five months since it was mailed so we don't expect it to show up anytime soon.

I don't want judge people but their mail system overall sucks!!! I can't believe just regular letters can't even make it to a normal everday address. It is really despressing mailing things there unless I pay $30 plus dollars for a special delievery.

My fiancee will hopefully be here soon so no more mail and no more chatting. :thumbs:

Good Luck,

Charlie


I learned long ago from my Filipino friends not to send anything of value thru the regular mail to the Philippines. they even told me don't bother to send a Xmas card in Dec thru regular mail. there will be an assumption there's money in it.


Once I told my story to the local post office here in California they had the nerve tell me what you just posted. So I said, why didn't you say something to me when I mailed my stuff to the Philippines. This person happened to be the same person who mailed my stuff before. He was in shock because I remembered him. I told him, who wouldn't remember you as you cost me over $250 because my mail never arrived. I said you should have said something back then. He even asked what I was mailing so he knew. Shame on him!!

He is very careful what he says now to everyone. I had a talk with his Supervisor after all of this.

The best advice I can give someone is, shipper beware!!!!


Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-21 16:22:00
PhilippinesIs it safe to send jewelries thru mail?

Hi,

I just wanna know if it's safe to send jewelries to America thru mail like Fedex or something?


I learned my lesson the hard way. I wasn't on this site earlier this year so didn't know better. I sent a $250 heart shaped necklace with diamonds in it to the Philippines. It was in a large envelope type package like you send pics in plus I had her birthday card in there also with a letter. It was very inoccent looking. They only way for someone to see it would be to xray it and then steal it. It has been five months since it was mailed so we don't expect it to show up anytime soon.

I don't want judge people but their mail system overall sucks!!! I can't believe just regular letters can't even make it to a normal everday address. It is really despressing mailing things there unless I pay $30 plus dollars for a special delievery.

My fiancee will hopefully be here soon so no more mail and no more chatting. :thumbs:

Good Luck,

Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-21 16:02:00
Philippinesmedical exam question
Thanks Island Princess for your response. I see your interview date is the same as MJ's.

Good luck,

Charlie


You would know something is wrong if SLEC will ask your fiancee to undergo another set/kind of test(s). They will make the necessary medication recommendation if they find out that your fiancee has a contagious illness. If she finished her medical exam in 2 days, she is doing well.

After the exam at SLEC do they tell the patient if something is wrong or do they find out at the interview at the USEM? Someone told MJ that she would find out at her interview so now she is all worried.

Thanks,
Charlie



busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-21 12:38:00
Philippinesmedical exam question

After the exam at SLEC do they tell the patient if something is wrong or do they find out at the interview at the USEM? Someone told MJ that she would find out at her interview so now she is all worried.

Thanks,
Charlie



if something is wrong, they will tell patient right away for more test/exam/steps to do next... i talked to one of the docs there coz of some emergency problem, and she happened to mention "once your passport and med result is being forwarded to the embassy then there's nothing to worry about your med exam, just do good during the interview"


Ronmay, thanks so much for your response. MJ will feel so much better when I give her your answer.

Take Care,

Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-21 09:54:00
Philippinesmedical exam question
After the exam at SLEC do they tell the patient if something is wrong or do they find out at the interview at the USEM? Someone told MJ that she would find out at her interview so now she is all worried.

Thanks,
Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-21 09:34:00
PhilippinesMedical DS 3025 form

Please recheck. She might not have seen the tiny "DS-3025" script on the lower left side of the paper.

"a record of her shots" maybe the same document.

Is this given directly to the Fiancee after the medical or is it in the mysterious brown envelope when you get the visa? If its in the brown envelope and you arrive at the POE will they give that to you? MJ received a record of her shots but I asked her if it had DS 3025 printed on it and she said no.

Thanks,
Charlie



So funny, I'm talking to MJ as I'm reading your post and she says her form is DS2053. Then I tell her to look at the bottom and she notices the DS3025 so all is well. :thumbs:

Thanks,
Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-19 22:31:00
PhilippinesMedical DS 3025 form
Is this given directly to the Fiancee after the medical or is it in the mysterious brown envelope when you get the visa? If its in the brown envelope and you arrive at the POE will they give that to you? MJ received a record of her shots but I asked her if it had DS 3025 printed on it and she said no.

Thanks,
Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-19 21:03:00
Philippinescultural differences
Great Post PatientlyWaiting, I will pass this along to MJ. I can just see her now haggling over the prices. I have already told her about how expensive things are here and she is already in shock, lol.

Thanks for the post,

Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-22 10:35:00
PhilippinesBPI Bank

Along Roxas Blvd, almost just in front of the USEM... there's also one near Robinson's Mall.


This is exactly what I needed.

Thanks so much,

Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-24 16:57:00
PhilippinesBPI Bank
Anyone know which BPI Bank is located near the USEM where the Visa can be paid and validated at?


Thanks,

Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-24 14:45:00
PhilippinesEmployment letter vs. paycheck stubs
I sent everything but my paycheck stubs because I thought I saw somewhere that it wasn't needed. I have read the I134 instructions, checked the USEM, and the packet 4 instructions and no where does it say that paycheck stubs are required. Then I read the updated K1 Visa Guide for Manila and it says to provide 6 months of paycheck stubs. I don't think that was there before.

So has anyone have a recent interview where you didn't have these and everything was ok?

Thanks,

Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-19 00:39:00
PhilippinesInterview question

Do you have to bring the xray and vaccine worksheet to the interview? Someone told my fiancee that she needs to bring this stuff but I haven't seen that mentioned on this site.

St. Lukes forwards the medical results directly to the embassy so xray and vaccine worksheet are not required during interview.



Do you have to bring the xray and vaccine worksheet to the interview? Someone told my fiancee that she needs to bring this stuff but I haven't seen that mentioned on this site.

The big day is coming this Friday August 3rd, :dance: :dance:

Thanks,
Charlie

No need either at the USEM interview.
Be sure she keeps the vaccination records from St.Lukes. DS 3025! She will need it later to adjust status in the US.

Have her hand carry x ray when she flys here. Very unlikely she will need it but happens "sometimes".



Thanks for the responses. That is what I thought but since we are getting down to the finish line I thought I better check.

Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-28 14:16:00
PhilippinesInterview question
Do you have to bring the xray and vaccine worksheet to the interview? Someone told my fiancee that she needs to bring this stuff but I haven't seen that mentioned on this site.

The big day is coming this Friday August 3rd, :dance: :dance:

Thanks,
Charlie

Edited by busycharlie, 28 July 2007 - 01:28 PM.

busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-28 13:27:00
PhilippinesWe have Med and Interview date !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Good Luck! Now the fun begins.
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-29 21:52:00
PhilippinesInterview Soon...

Four more days!!!


Good luck. Ours is in five days.

Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-28 16:57:00
PhilippinesTrying not to think about it

My Mary's interview date is on friday, Aug. 3rd. We have been waiting for this day, for awhile now. Thank God the time is near. I have been trying not to bother her, and I have been trying not to think about it. I even stayed away from using the computer, and have been doing speacial projects at the office, to keep my mind away from thinking about the interview. All of our paperwork is in order, and she is prepared.

I really can not imagine how nervous she is, because I have never gone through an embassy interview. I would imagine, she is nervous and anxious. My question is: How much pressure is on the woman leading up to the interview?



Hello Eddie,

I have the same timeline as Mary. I and my child will board the plane to Manila on Thursday. I am excited and a bit nervous. Just think positive.

BTW, how's her medical?


Count MJ for Friday also. She is feeling pretty good right now. She is a bit worried that she will get one of those interviewers that aren't so nice but she has her paperwork in order. I told her to just smile at all times even if she gets a grouch, lol. She flies to Manila on Thursday.

Good Luck to all!!!!

Charlie
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-31 00:07:00
PhilippinesWE ARE APPROVED
Congrats and enjoy!!
busycharlieMalePhilippines2007-07-31 21:32:00